It’s here kids! That blessed time of year we love to call midterms! Don’t get me wrong, I love a good midterm…(kidding) but I also love not feeling like I need to pull out all of my hair and scream. I’m sounding dramatic but also when you know you know…Here are my top five tips for getting through this stress filled time feeling semi-relaxed and with all your hair intact.
- Put the book down and go to bed
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I’m a big believer in sleep over studying. Yes, you may be able to cram seven more pages in instead of going to bed at midnight, but no, you will not remember any of that material because you’ll be so exhausted the next day. Cramming for an exam is not the solution. Getting a good night’s rest will at least prepare you to go into your exam with a clear mind, and you can wake up early to keep studying if you need to.
- Music saves the soul
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Sometimes when my brain is in knots, I turn on a playlist to relax myself. Music helps defog my brain, refocuses my energy, and allows me to get back to writing my essay feeling refreshed. There are even playlists on Spotify specifically created for studying. Check out any of the ones under the category “focus” or just simply play your own favorite songs to get you in a better mindset.
- Actually eat dinner
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Yes, food sometimes really does do the trick. You may feel like skipping a meal to get an extra hour in is a good idea right now, but four hours from now your stomach and brain will hate you. Get up, go to the dining hall and refuel your body. Your mind needs food just as much as the rest of your body. Plus, going to the dining hall and seeing friends is a great way to take a study break and chill out for a half an hour.
- Move your body
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This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to go for a six mile run…just hear me out! Moving your body in some capacity, whether that be by doing a formal workout or just taking a long walk around campus or exploring the arb, is so beneficial when you are in a study-rut. Getting some fresh air, maybe running into a few friends and getting your blood flowing will do wonders once you go back to the library.
- Keep it all in perspective
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We are college students, not superhumans. Of course we all want to do well, get the best grade and feel like we worked our butts off, but sometimes, the agony is just not worth it. Getting a B+ instead of an A is not the end of the world, especially for one midterm. Yes, we all should put our best efforts in when we study, but leaving Miller feeling like you want to cry is just not worth the energy. If you truly don’t feel like you know the material or understand how to write your essay, talking to your professor in the morning and coming up with a game plan is a far better idea than staying up until three a.m. sobbing. Just saying.
And with that, I leave you, hoping that you all have the most relaxed midterms season as possible. Soon, you’ll be lying in your cozy bed and midterms will be behind us all!